I packed a copy of True Style by Bruce Boyer on my flight to Paris last fall and optimistically thought I would have time to read it before Christmas 2015. Unfortunately, my studies prevented me from reading this terrific new volume on menswear until recently.

Put simply, this is the best introduction and guide to masculine style currently on the market. It is the prose expression of the sartorial elegance described in the book itself, revealing an adroit knowledge of literature, sociology, history and a subtle tincture of personal experience.

What I enjoyed most is that Boyer combines the practical, informed and unexpected with a sense of ease. Much as true style deserves a moment of considered appreciation, this is a book worthy of an appreciative read. Highly recommended!

SaveSave

SaveSave

2 thoughts on “Bruce Boyer’s True Style”

  1. I have also read Boyer’s work. I did not glean the same satisfaction and knowledge as I had expected.

    I came away with the same sense of having “missed something” after reading Flusser’s book, as well as having subscribed to “The Rake” magazine.

    I feel that discussions of menswear are best suited to b- and/or v- logging. I have gleaned the most information and inspiration from Sleevehead, Kirby Allison, and Simon Crompton, respectively.

    I felt that the two aforementioned print authors made too much of “style icons” of the past, such as Cary Grant, British royalty, Giovanni Agnelli, and other twentieth-century celebrities and eccentrics. To me, Boyer’s and Flusser’s respective approaches to menswear feels too studied for application.

    An alternative option is the German author Bernhard Roetzel, whose comparative text, “Gentleman” is pithy and evocative, while also giving clear instruction and product examples.

    Boyer and Flusser are maybe better suited to those with a firm, confident footing in how to build a wardrobe and how to dress properly for specific occasions. To those without the requisite context, it they make dressing a topic of discussion, rather than implementation.

    1. Juhn @ sleevehead

      Thanks for sharing this astute and helpful commentary on what has worked for you, and for the very kind comments on my work as Sleevehead! I’ve always enjoyed Boyer and Flusser’s writings very much and gleaned useful insights over the years. But I also agree that truly appreciating and leveraging their approaches to menswear does require a certain grounding. Without that grounding in direct experience or familial context (usually from one’s father), the steps to personally dressing well are rarely clear and obvious.

      I completely agree there is a chasm between Cary Grant (or any other well-known style icon) and the average Tom, Dick or Harry. I hope to fill in that gap, at least partially, in my next book. Time will tell!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.